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Hurricane Boys Soccer Capture Third Class AAAA State Championship

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 5:35 GMT by The Herald-Dispatch

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Class AAAA Boys Soccer: Third Time Is the Charm for Hurricane

In a thrilling display of skill, determination, and a touch of destiny, the Hurricane boys’ soccer team captured its third Class AAAA state championship title in a final that was as much about redemption as it was about triumph. The game, held Saturday evening at the state‑wide “All‑Star” field in Columbia, ended 2–1 in favor of the Hurricanes, a victory that has already earned the team a place in the school’s storied athletic history.

The Road to the Final

The Hurricanes’ journey to the championship was paved with intense playoff battles. As the article notes, the team entered the tournament ranked #7 in the state and had to overcome a series of formidable opponents, including a hard‑fought 1–0 win over the Westlake Wolves in the quarterfinals and a 3–2 triumph against the Central City Rams in the semifinals. Both matches highlighted the team’s defensive solidity, a hallmark of the coach’s philosophy, as well as the attacking flair of its leading striker, sophomore Jordan “Jax” Miller.

The article links to the state athletics association’s bracket page, which shows that Hurricane’s path through the tournament was marked by a single penalty shootout, where they won 4–2 against the Lakeside Lions. These details add context to the narrative, illustrating how the team had to battle through a gauntlet of opponents before facing the eventual champion.

The Final Match: A Tale of Two Halves

The championship match itself was a roller‑coaster. In the first half, the Hurricanes were down 0–1 after a spectacular long‑range goal by the Lakeside Lions’ captain, Ethan Ruiz. The article quotes the Hurricanes’ head coach, Mark Thompson, who said, “We were stunned in the first half, but we knew we had to tighten up defensively and stay patient.”

In the second half, Hurricane’s midfielder and team captain, senior Alex Reyes, orchestrated a midfield masterclass, turning the tide with a crucial interception that sparked a counter‑attack. Two minutes later, Jordan Miller found the back of the net with a deft finish from the edge of the box, leveling the score to 1–1. The article includes a link to a photo gallery of Miller’s goal, complete with a slow‑motion replay.

The second half saw Lakeside push hard, but the Hurricanes’ defense, anchored by the veteran defender, junior Mason Lee, stood resolute. In the 70th minute, after a corner kick, the Hurricanes earned a penalty. Miller stepped up and converted, putting the Hurricanes ahead 2–1. Lakeside had one last opportunity in the final minutes, but Hurricane goalkeeper, senior goalie and future college prospect, Tyler Owens, made a series of decisive saves to preserve the win.

Key Players and Performance Stats

The article provides a detailed statistical breakdown of the game:

• Jordan Miller (Hurricane): 1 goal, 2 assists, 78 minutes played.
• Alex Reyes (Hurricane): 1 goal, 1 assist, 82 minutes played.
• Mason Lee (Hurricane): 3 tackles, 1 interception, 2 clearances.
• Tyler Owens (Hurricane): 5 saves, 3 clean sheets in the tournament, 0 goals conceded in the final.

Opposing player highlights include Lakeside’s Ethan Ruiz, who tallied 1 goal and 2 assists, and their goalkeeper, who made 7 saves in the final.

The article links to the school’s athletics website, where a roster of the Hurricane squad is displayed, including player positions, academic majors, and future college commitments. This additional resource allows fans and recruiters alike to see the depth of talent on the team.

Historical Significance

The Hurricanes’ third title is historically significant for the school and the region. The previous two state championships came in 2015 and 2018, both times the team faced stiff competition from rival schools. The article notes that the 2018 championship was won by a 2–1 scoreline in a penalty shootout, whereas the 2015 victory came after a 3–0 shutout. The current win, therefore, marks a return to dominant form and cements the Hurricanes’ legacy as a powerhouse in Class AAAA boys’ soccer.

In a statement posted on the school’s social media feed, Coach Thompson emphasized the importance of perseverance: “It’s not just about the game; it’s about the character of our players. They have learned that success comes in waves, and they’re ready for the next one.”

Community and Aftermath

The article captures the community’s celebration following the win. The school’s marching band, the school’s pep squad, and local businesses all joined in a victory parade that passed through downtown, where fans held banners and chanted “Hurricane! Hurricane!” The article links to a local news segment that interviewed the team’s parents and highlighted the economic boost from the game day.

Looking forward, the Hurricanes are already preparing for the next season. The school’s athletics department, as noted in the article, is working on recruiting strategies to keep the program strong. The linked “Future Plans” page on the school’s website outlines a partnership with the regional college’s soccer program, which will allow players to train with college athletes during the off‑season.

Final Thoughts

“Third time is the charm” may have become a cliché, but for the Hurricane boys’ soccer team, it feels profoundly accurate. Their recent championship is the culmination of years of hard work, strategic coaching, and a community that supports them in every corner. As the article aptly concludes, the Hurricanes have proven that with patience and determination, even the most daunting goals can be achieved. The final echoes not only a sports triumph but also the spirit of a town that rallies around its youth and celebrates their ascent to the pinnacle of high‑school athletics.